Celtic may well look at today’s draw with Rangers as an opportunity missed to stretch their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Being 2-0 up at half-time and in command of the game, an ‘embarrassing‘ penalty award allowed Rangers an inroad to the game which eventually ended in a stalemate with a 3-3 draw meaning that nothing changes at the top of the table.
Rangers now head into their game in hand against Dundee on Wednesday night knowing that a win will put them back at the top of the table but despite that, Pat Bonner has shared why today’s result will make Celtic a lot more happier than Rangers this afternoon.
Bonner says next Glasgow Derby is ‘the big game’ for Celtic
The former Celtic hero believes that Brendan Rodgers will be ‘relieved’ to get out of Ibrox with the draw as it tees up the next Glasgow Derby as the one that is the real ‘big game’ this season.
Speaking about a possible momentum swing had Rangers’ disallowed goal been allowed to stand, Bonner believes that is the reason why the Celtic manager will be happy with the draw.
Bonner said [BBC Radio Scotland], “I think from that perspective that would have changed the complex of this game. And that’s where I’m sort of focusing on.
“From Celtic’s perspective, to get away with that one, obviously, to get the goal but there were still eight minutes to go.
“And then you’re into a situation where, you know what it’s like the last 10 minutes in this game, anything can happen.
“So I think if Brendan Rodgers’ players go back inside and they reflect on it, yes they will be disappointed they didn’t win it but I think they’re relieved to get out of here with the draw.
“And that then still sets them up to retain their championship because they still have Rangers to play at home. And that’s the big game.
“And I think before the game, everybody was saying that Rangers really need to win this game. The games against Rangers determine the league in many ways.
“Now Celtic have got the results so far and Rangers haven’t beaten them yet and that’s critical for me.”
It’s all in Celtic’s hands
As I previously said, there is no change at the top of the table and it will all hinge on the next Glasgow Derby.
Obviously, we are assuming that Celtic will beat St Mirren and Aberdeen before the split and hope that Rangers drop points either against Dundee on Wednesday and away at Ross County and then at home to Hearts on the 21st of April.
Even if that scenario doesn’t play out and both teams win all their games up until the next Glasgow Derby, another Celtic win at Parkhead will take us to the top of the league and firmly in the driving seat to retain the title. Although nothing can be taken for granted.
What is guaranteed though is that this league title race is seriously hotting up and with six games left of the season for Celtic, there is all to play for and the Hoops fans will be confident that their team can go on and retain the title after the Ibrox result today.